Does Tallow Balm Clog Pores? An Honest Guide by Skin Type

Short answer: it can. Tallow balm is a thick, heavy moisturiser, and dermatologists say it can clog pores in some people, mainly those with oily or acne-prone skin. Many people with dry skin use it without trouble, especially on the body. Your skin type is the best guide, and a patch test is the only way to know for sure.

Why can tallow clog pores?

Tallow is an occlusive. It sits on the skin as a layer that slows water loss, which is exactly what dry skin needs. On skin that already makes plenty of oil, the same heavy layer can trap oil and dead skin cells in the pore, and a blocked pore is where a breakout starts.

Dermatologists are consistent on this. Dr E. Victor Ross of Scripps Clinic says “Tallow can clog pores in some people”, and Cleveland Clinic lists clogged pores and breakouts among the main risks because of tallow's thick consistency.

What about the “2 out of 5” comedogenic rating?

You will see tallow given a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5 all over the internet. Treat that number with caution.

• Comedogenic scales are a rough guide to single ingredients. They do not predict how a finished product will behave on your face.
• A 2024 scoping review of the research on tallow and skin found very little direct testing on human skin, and its authors named side effects as the main gap in the evidence.

We will not call our balm “non-comedogenic”, a term the American Academy of Dermatology uses for products that do not block pores. There is not enough testing to support that claim for tallow.

Will tallow balm clog my pores? A guide by skin type

Dry or very dry skin

This is the skin type most likely to get on with tallow. Dermatologists recommend thicker products for dry skin because they hold more water in. Start on the body, then try a thin layer on the face at night if you want to.

Normal or combination skin

Results are mixed. Use a very small amount, keep it away from your oilier areas (usually the forehead, nose and chin), and patch test first.

Oily or acne-prone skin

This is the highest-risk group. Dermatologists advise against using tallow on the face if you are oily or prone to breakouts, and the American Academy of Dermatology suggests people with oily skin choose a light gel or skip moisturiser. Keep tallow balm for your body.

Sensitive skin or rosacea

Be cautious. Rich products can irritate sensitive skin, and so can fragrance. Our balm is infused with frankincense, so patch test if scented products usually bother you.

Is whipped tallow balm any lighter?

Whipping adds air, which makes the balm softer and easier to spread in a thin layer. That helps you use less. It does not change what tallow is, so the advice by skin type stays the same.

How to patch test tallow balm

1. Choose a small area along your jawline or just below your ear.
2. Apply a thin layer once a day, at night, on clean skin.
3. Keep going for one to two weeks. Clogged pores can take time to show.
4. Change nothing else in your routine during the test, so you know what caused any reaction.
5. If the area stays clear and calm, widen the area gradually.

What to do if you break out

Stop using it on your face and go back to what worked before. Pushing through does not help. The jar is not wasted: dermatologists who are cautious about tallow on the face still point to hands, elbows and heels as sensible places to use it.

Where tallow balm makes the most sense

On dry body skin, after a shower, while your skin is still slightly damp. That is how we suggest most people start with our Frankincense Whipped Tallow Balm. For the wider picture, read Is beef tallow good for your skin?

Frequently asked questions

Is tallow non-comedogenic?

We cannot honestly say so. Non-comedogenic means a product does not block pores, and tallow has not been tested well enough to make that claim.

Can I use tallow balm if I have acne?

Dermatologists advise against it on acne-prone areas. If you are being treated for acne, ask your doctor or dermatologist before adding any rich product.

Does tallow clog pores on the body?

It is less of a concern on areas like hands, elbows, shins and heels. If you get breakouts on your back or chest, treat those areas like acne-prone skin and avoid heavy balms there.

How much tallow balm should I use on my face?

Far less than you think. Start with an amount smaller than a pea, warm it between your fingertips and press it into slightly damp skin.

How long before I know if it is clogging my pores?

Give a patch test one to two weeks. Irritation tends to show quickly, while clogged pores build up more slowly.

Sources

• Scripps Health: Beef Tallow in Skin Care
• Cleveland Clinic: Is Beef Tallow Good for Your Skin?
• Russell et al. (2024), Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review, Cureus
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, speak to a dermatologist or pharmacist.